Pirates’ starting pitcher Jeanmar Gomez had to leave the game after just one inning due to forearm tightness. That left the bullpen to handle the rest of the game. Unfortunately, the game had to go into extra innings, so the bullpen was almost completely wiped out by the end of the game.

The Pirates needed to make a few moves to bring in some fresh arms for this upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. On Monday, the Pirates announced that they had recalled relief pitchers Jared Hughes and Ryan Reid. To clear up room for Hughes and Reid on the 25-man roster, the Pirates had to option outfielder Alex Presley back to Triple-A Indianapolis and place Gomez on the 15-day disabled list with right forearm inflammation/strain.

Reid wasn’t already on the 40-man roster, so another move had to be made to create space on the 40-man for him. Triple-A starting pitcher Phil Irwin was re-instated from the Triple-A disabled list, recalled to the majors, and placed on the 60-day disabled list.

Hughes had been a big part of the Pirates’ bullpen in 2012. His start to 2013 didn’t go very well unfortunately, so he was optioned to the minor leagues to try and get the command of his sinker back. In 13.2 innings with the Pirates in 2013, Hughes walked nine batters and gave up 13 hits. With Triple-A Indy in 2013, Hughes pitched 13 innings, walking four batters and giving up eight hits. One positive to take from his minor league stint is that he didn’t allow a home run, a sign that his sinker might be working better now.

Reid is a 28-year-old relief pitcher that hasn’t debuted in the MLB yet, so if he gets to pitch in a game while he is with the Pirates, it will be his debut. In 34.2 innings with Triple-A Indy, Reid had a 0.52 ERA with 31 strikeouts. He only gave up nine free passes and 20 hits.

The difference between Matt Carpenter the leadoff man and Carpenter in any other spot in the order has been huge this season. As they enter the stretch run, St. Louis should keep batting him leadoff. Read More